Improvisation on an old Gospel song by Johnny Cash
A bit of history: Claude Ely describes composing the song while sick with tuberculosis in 1934
when he was twelve years old. His family prayed for his health, and in response he spontaneously
performed this song. Originally recorded by Bozie Sturdivant in 1941 in a slower, Appalachian gospel
style and in 1946-7 by Sister Rosetta Tharpe with barrelhouse piano; the song in Ely's version was
recorded in 1953 but composed in 1934 Many notable artists have performed the song, including
Johnny Cash on the posthumous album American VI: Ain't No Grave.
In 1967 the song was featured in the film Cool Hand Luke while Luke (Paul Newman) is digging a grave,
performed by Harry Dean Stanton.
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